Set of 6 books by Author Honore de Balzac

This combo product is bundled in India but the publishing origin of this title may vary.Publication date of this bundle is the creation date of this bundle; the actual publication date of child items may vary.The early 19th century is the setting for Honore de Balzacs book Eugenie Grandet which takes place in the French town of Saumur. The Grandet family who are both affluent and exceedingly thrifty is the focus of the narrative. Felix Grandet the family patriarch was formerly a cooper who amassed wealth via wise investments. He lives in a large home a representation of his riches and social standing in the community with his wife and daughter Eugenie. Charles Eugenies cousin who stays with the family adores this lovely and innocent young lady. Felix Grandet who considers Charles to be a possible danger to his fortune opposes the marriage. The reader is exposed to the various personalities in the town as the plot develops; everyone has their own secrets and aspirations. Balzac explores the themes of greed love and the corrupting power of money using the town as a microcosm of French society. The sad conclusion of the book reveals the dark secrets of the Grandet family and the consequences of their greed. As the rest of the village carries on with their activities unconcerned with Eugenies destiny she is left alone and sad.Honore de Balzac wrote a book titled Father Goriot. The story which takes place in Paris in the early 19th century explores the concepts of love wealth and social status. The protagonist Father Goriot an old widower who has used his fortune to support his two daughters and other people are followed throughout the novel. But the daughters have left him and are now leading lavish lifestyles while disregarding the needs of their father. Eugene de Rastignac a young law student who is lured into Parisian high society is another key figure. One of Father Goriots daughters Delphine is the object of Rastignacs affection. Delphine meanwhile is already married to a rich ruthless man who is using her to maintain his social status. The novel shows the dramatic difference between middle-class hardship and the lifestyles of the rich elite. Balzac depicts the greed and corruption that often go hand in hand with the chase of money and social prestige. Father Goriot dies in poverty and is left by his daughters at the novels terrible conclusion and Rastignac realises the full price of his ambitions. Father Goriot is a potent examination of 19th-century French society as well as a timeless look at human nature and the quest for happiness.A book by Honore de Balzac titled Scenes from a Courtesans Life was part of his massive body of work known as The Human Comedy. Esther van Gobseck a courtesan and the society she lives in are both explored in the book. Esther popularly known as La Torpille overcomes hardships to establish herself as a renowned courtesan in Paris. Several men adore her notably Lucien de Rubempre a young poet who eventually falls in love with her. Esthers past and connections to the criminal underground however complicate her existence. She is also up against rival courtesans who are fighting for the attention of rich and influential men. The intricate network of connections and power structures in 19th-century French society is shown in the book. In addition to examining the corrupting effects of riches and power Balzac also examines the topics of love money and social standing. The book also makes fun of societys hypocritical standards which let males indulge in their wants while penalizing women who do the same. Scenes from a Courtesans Life provides a compelling and perceptive portrait of French society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A timeless literary classic Balzacs work vividly captures the human experience via his complex characters and beautifully descriptive prose.Honore de Balzacs book Seraphita is a work of fiction. It tells the story of a young man named Wilfrid who develops a fascination with the enigmatic Seraphitus. Seraphitus is one of a group of supernatural entities who live in the Norwegian highlands. Wilfrid is first captivated to Seraphitus by the purity and beauty of his/her voice but as he immerses himself more into Seraphitus world he starts to have doubts about his/her own views on love gender and spirituality. As the story goes on Wilfrid develops feelings for Seraphitus but finds it difficult to comprehend their romance due to Seraphitus uncertain gender. Seraphitus finally discloses that he or she is a manifestation of the divine and that love is a force that is independent of gender and physical appearance. Seraphita is known for exploring topics connected to gender sexuality and spirituality. Balzac utilizes the book as a platform to criticize gender stereotypes and promote a more flexible and inclusive concept of identity.Honore de Balzac wrote a satirical book titled The Physiology of Marriage which was originally published in 1829. The book is a lighthearted investigation of the institution of marriage as well as the interactions between men and women in 19th-century French society. The book is organized as a collection of pieces written by an unidentified narrator who provides commentary and advice on many facets of married life. The narrator explores the difficulties and inconsistencies of marriage as well as the disparities between men and women in terms of their wishes and expectations using comedy and wit. Balzac explores the social and cultural influences that define the institution of marriage via his humorous and perceptive insights. He criticizes the patriarchal framework of society and the conventional gender stereotypes that cast women in inferior positions. The stinging social critique The Physiology of Marriage questions the dominant beliefs and ideals of 19th-century French society. This work is a timeless examination of the complexity of human relationships with insights that are still applicable to readers today thanks to Balzacs humorous and caustic style.In Honore de Balzacs novella The Village Rector a French village serves as the backdrop. The protagonist of the story is Abbe Francois Birotteau the loved and respected local rector. The dynamics of the village shift with the advent of a new prefect Monsieur de Rastignac. The prefect views Abbe as a hindrance to his ambitions to develop and rehabilitate the community. He starts to circulate misleading stories about Abbes personality in an effort to undermine him and take over the community. Notwithstanding the malicious accusations Abbe chooses to ignore them and concentrate on his pastoral responsibilities. He loses the support of the locals as they start to distrust him. The themes of power corruption and the resiliency of the human spirit are all explored throughout the novella. In the end Abbe is defended because of the villagers admiration for his honesty and selflessness. The novella is a celebration of timeless human virtues like kindness and compassion as well as a condemnation of the corrupt political system of the day. It is a moving tale of how people may find courage in their beliefs and the help of their community.